Chess is a fickle game. A game that’s mastered through practice and concentration. Akshay Srinivasan, junior, has done just that and is passing along his knowledge to Junior Principal Rick Regina every Monday at Chess Club.

Srinivasan learned how to play chess at age four with his father and began participating in competitive tournaments in middle school. Now, Srinivasan is a two time bronze medalist at State and active member in Chess Club.

“I always loved puzzles when I was younger and to me, chess was a really big puzzle with countless possibilities,” Srinivasan said.

The beauty of the game of Chess is what pulled him in, Srinivasan said. The game is always a new experience with so many possible positions and variations.

Srinivasan accepts that Chess is an extremely challenging game that requires logical thinking, an ability to overcome instinct, and hours of practice.

“The reasons chess is so challenging are what make it appealing,” Srinivasan said, “Because of everything that can happen, chess is a very interesting and intellectually-stimulating game to play.”

Regina came to Srinivasan after seeing his article in Issue 2 of the Messenger. So far, the pair have only played once and the game ended after four moves with Srinivasan taking the win.

Afterwards, Srinivasan reviewed the game with Regina and gave tips on how to improve his game for the next time they would play. The major thing that Regina needed to work on was his opening, Srinivasan said.

“I hope to teach him some basic openings and endgames so he can develop more as a player,” Srinivasan said.

Regina understands what needs improvement in his game as well as just his openings.

“My mind works as a Checkers player, I only think one move ahead,” Regina said,  “Akshay he’s 8 to 10 moves ahead of me, so that’s the biggest challenge of working moves ahead.”

While Regina’s goal in the beginning was to beat Srinivasan, he now hopes to make as many moves as possible.

“My goal has changed and I’m trying to get to at least 5 moves,” Regina said, “I’m just trying to survive.”

While Regina may get better, he credits any of his new success to Srinivasan. He also admires the way Srinivasan treats his opponents, no matter the age or skill level.

“He knew exactly what he was going to do to me, he did it, and he was very nice about it,” Regina said.

Regina is willing to learn and his teacher is willing to teach. While Srinivasan may be the king of the chess table, maybe the tides will change.

“I wouldn’t really view him as an adversary at the moment but in the future he could get really good at the game so maybe that’ll change,” Srinivasan said.